Gun-toting Outback Queensland Cop Appeals Against Conviction Over Highway Incident
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A QUEENSLAND police officer found guilty of assault after pulling his gun on an outback motorist is appealing against his conviction.
Senior Constable Stephen Flanagan was convicted of assault and deprivation of liberty and fined $1,500 over an incident on the Landsborough Highway near Longreach in south-west Queensland in 2015.
The officer was recorded on a dashcam camera swearing and honking at a driver before pulling him over with his firearm drawn.
Flanagan is currently suspended without pay and on Tuesday the Brisbane District Court heard his appeal.
During a hearing last year Flanagan said he “feared for his life” after thinking the car was stolen and the driver was possibly armed.
On Tuesday his barrister Jeff Hunter QC argued the Magistrate erred when considering whether that was Flanagan’s belief.
Mr Hunter said Flanagan faced an unusual situation because of the protracted period of time which the vehicle failed to pull over.
Judge Julie Ryrie has reserved her decision.